Patrick and Taylor graduated from Loras College in Dubuque, Iowa, but their shared location didn’t necessarily mean their timelines were always a match made in heaven. Aside from graduating two years apart, when they met, Patrick was actually dating someone else. But, clearly, he saved the best for last.

“What do you know about Libertyville, Illinois?” Purely by chance, upon graduating in 2018, Taylor had stumbled upon a job opportunity in a suburb an hour north of Chicago. What she didn’t know, however, was that it happened to be the hometown of the guy she had started talking to back at Loras. “Well, it’s great. But I may be biased because I grew up there,” Patrick responded. Clearly, his opinion was all she needed to accept an athletic training position at Libertyville High School. And just like that, whether they knew it or not, Patrick and Taylor’s love story was off to the races.

With Taylor starting her professional career and Patrick still having over a year of college remaining, clearly some challenges were going to be thrown their way. After going on a first date at the beautiful Dubuque Dunkin Donuts and spending the summer together in Libertyville, the two committed to the realities of their long distance relationship. Taylor traveled back to Dubuque nearly every weekend over the next year to see Patrick, where they binged Netflix, ate Papa Murphy’s pizza and continued to strengthen their budding relationship.

As Patrick’s senior year at Loras winded down in 2020, of course, the world would prove that nothing ever comes easy! As the post-graduation job market stalled as a result of the COVID-19 pandemic, options were limited, and the two were forced to continue their long-distance relationship as Patrick moved to Madison, Wisconsin, for work. Taylor continued her frequent visits, but luckily, after just nine months, Patrick was able to return to Chicago in 2021.

After a few more years of fighting through life’s twists and turns together, Patrick finally decided it was time to put a ring on Taylor’s finger. Patrick surprised Taylor with (most) of their siblings at Chicago’s Olive Park near Navy Pier, and though his cover was almost blown by his siblings Ben and Grace, he got down on one knee and asked Taylor to spend the rest of their lives together. Thankfully, for everyone involved, Taylor enthusiastically said “yes.”

The couple has now settled into a life together over the past six years and are ready to live their own version of “happily ever after.” Whether it’s a date night at downtown Libertyville’s Casa Bonita, a Saturday at the movie theater, playing with their lovable golden doodle Oakley, traveling to their favorite places, or cheering on the Bears at Soldier Field, Patrick and Taylor can’t wait for the many adventures their future holds. They look forward to welcoming you to their celebration of their future together as The Hunts!